Folegandros Island, Greece

Folegandros is a small and rocky island between Sikinos and Milos. Visitors will be struck by the wild beauty of the barren landscape, where huge rocks alternate with sandy beaches. On a flat expanse above the pretty harbour of Karavostassis is Hora or Folegandros, wich consists of two settlements, among the most picturesque of the Cyclades. In the old settlement in the Kastro area (13th century), the outer walls of the houses form the sort of defensive precinct to be found elsewhere in the Cyclades. The new quarter is just as pretty, with narrow alleys, stepped walls, courtyards, wooden balconies and typically Aegean churches. The finest church on the island, that of Our Lady, stands on top of a section of the ancient wall. Chrissospilia, nearby to the north, with stalactites, stalagmites and traces of ancient occupation, and the small settlements in theAno Meria district are the sights to be seen around the island's main village. Ano Meria also has a Folklore Museum, with exhibits that reconstruct the farming practices of the islanders. Among the best beaches for swimming are Karavostassis, Livadi and Agios Georgios bay. Although Folegandros has little in the way of tourist amenities or roads, it attracts more and more visitors each year chiefly those in search of solitude close to nature. There are a few rooms to rent.